Miami Open: Aryna Sabalenka to go ahead with campaign days after partner's sudden death

World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka will participate in the Miami Open days after her partner and former ice hockey player Konstantin Koltsov tragically passed away in Florida.

A spokesperson for the Miami Open said late Tuesday afternoon that Sabalenka had not withdrawn from the event.

The reigning Australian Open champion is due to face close friend and Spaniard Paula Badosa in round 2 of the Masters event on Friday.

Miami-Dade Police detective Argemis Colome confirmed 42-year-old Koltsov's death in a statement sent to The Associated Press.

Police said the death was an apparent suicide and no foul play was suspected.

Koltsov served as an assistant coach for Salavat Yulaev Ufa the past two seasons. He also was an assistant on staff for the Belarusian men’s national team.

A few years ago, Sabalenka lost her father, Sergery, aged 43.

with AP inputs